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Religious Traditions Depth Studies - Summaries

The document outlines the significance of baptism across various Christian denominations, emphasizing its role as a sacrament that symbolizes new life and entry into the Christian community. It details the different practices, such as immersion and aspersion, and highlights the impact of baptism on both individuals and the wider community. Additionally, it discusses the theological contributions of St. Paul and the ethical teachings central to Christianity, particularly the importance of love and stewardship of creation.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
26 views7 pages

Religious Traditions Depth Studies - Summaries

The document outlines the significance of baptism across various Christian denominations, emphasizing its role as a sacrament that symbolizes new life and entry into the Christian community. It details the different practices, such as immersion and aspersion, and highlights the impact of baptism on both individuals and the wider community. Additionally, it discusses the theological contributions of St. Paul and the ethical teachings central to Christianity, particularly the importance of love and stewardship of creation.

Uploaded by

bella.reidwilson
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Roman Catholic:

Symbolises new life, where an adherent dies in their old life


Water and commences a new life as a member of the Christian
Baptism is required for Catholics to start on the path of grace and removal of original sin to enable them to perform other
community, modelling oneself on the teachings of Christ sacraments.
It is performed at birth, typically via aspersion; however, in the East, it can be performed via immersion.
Oil of Chrism
This is a gift of the Holy Spirit and acts as a reminder for Baptist:
adherents to walk in Christ's footsteps
Baptism is necessary for salvation; it is a sign that the adherent has already been saved.
Baptism is only performed via immersion
Symbolises 'putting on Christ' spiritually and the purity of
White Garments
commencing a new way of life Pentecostal:
Symbolises acceptance in the Christian community, a gift from the Spirit which can only be performed as adults.
Symbolises moving from death to a new life in Christ where Baptism is only performed via immersion.
the godparents are passed on the candle by the parents,
Candle
promising to promote the Christian way of life to the new
Presbyterian:
adherent Baptism is one of only two sacraments (the other is The Lord's Supper) which is a sign of the covenant agreement with God to
join the Christian community.
Presbyterians practise a variety of forms including aspersion, affusion and immersion.
Aspersion - water is sprinkled over the head
Affusion - water is poured over the head CHRISTIANITY “And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptised and wash your sins away, calling on his
Immersion - the entire body is lowered into a pool of Significant Practice name” (Acts 22:16)
water BAPTISM Salvation
Baptism is a requirement for most Christian variants to achieve
Holy Trinity Jesus’ Divinity and Humanity eternal life.
Baptism commences by an opening prayer “I baptise you in the name The Paschal Candle is lit, representing Christ Adherents are urged to live a life pure and holy before God and
of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit” (Sign of the Cross). bringing light to the world, and adherents are embody Christ’s way for the rest of their lives.
In the Orthodox Church, they perform the sign of the Cross three anointed with oil of Chrism, which symbolises Christians believe they are saved through faith in Christ as an act of
times. healing and strengthening adherents. God’s grace where they are called to turn away from sins, renouncing
Baptism signifies entry into new life with the Holy Trinity, which allows Adherents are called to share in the ministry of evil and turning to live a life of the Holy Spirit.
adherents to receive the Holy Spirit. Jesus, carrying out Christ’s mission in everyday life. The white garments represent being cleansed from original sin.
Water is poured on the adherent three times throughout the
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
ceremony.
Spirit” (Matt 28:19-20)
IMPACT ON INDIVIDUAL
IMPACT ON COMMUNITY
Baptism has a profound and significant impact upon all Christian adherents and remains one of the
most important sacraments across the majority of Christian variants. There are a variety of ways in Baptism shapes and influences the entire Christian community each time a new
which Baptism shapes the individual adherent in their daily life. adherent is welcomed into the Christian faith. The entire community is tasked with
Baptism initiates the adherent into the Christian Church and the Christian community, which is a welcoming the adherent and guiding them on their faith journey to Christ and
way of identifying with Christ, placing the adherent on a new faith journey salvation.
It is an act of repentance, removing original sin and guiding them towards living a Christian life The presentation of the child by the parents and godparents represents their
Adherents are called to live a new way of life, following in the teachings, practices and beliefs of faith and agreement to support the adherent in living a Christian life
the Christian Church The godparents selected for the adherent are tasked with the responsibility of
Baptism enables the adherent to participate in other Christian sacraments such as Holy raising the child in the Christian faith and role modelling in daily life to guide the
Communion adherent and support them on their faith journey
The Roman Catholic Church believes that Baptism is the first step on the path to grace from God, During the ceremony, all members present are called to reaffirm their Baptismal
modelling oneself on the teachings of Christ where one is called to do good works promises, reminding them of their calling in daily life, allowing them to repent
Baptism demonstrates the saving power of God in an adherent’s life, which is a time of and ask for forgiveness
thanksgiving for the gift of salvation The ceremony reminds adherents of their own baptism and the choices they
Both the Anglican and Catholic Churches believe this places adherents on the sacred path to made when joining the Christian community
salvation in Heaven Adherents are called to live out the message of the Gospels in everyday life
Orthodox Churches celebrate baptism as it removes original sin, allowing rebirth into living a Community are a source of support and guidance to adherents, where the
Christian life communal celebration is an important stage in their faith journey
Paul’s writings make up over a quarter of the New Testament. His letters were the earliest Christian writings and
influenced the authors of the Gospels. His epistles were written to give guidance to early Christian NEW RELIGIOUS TRADITION – SECT TO LARGEST RELIGION
communities. Paul’s writings formulated key teachings about the nature of the Church. He taught about how
Paul engineered a distinct religious tradition through persistence and
Christ lived in them and by their baptism and the Holy Spirit they were able to contribute to the Christian
leadership. He ensured the spread of Christianity across the Roman Empire,
community. His teaching on resurrection explained that Jesus Christ, through his death and resurrection,
and Christianity is now the largest religion in the world.
offered salvation for all who believed.
He challenged the status quo of the time which helped define
Christianity
1 Cor 13 - "If I speak in the tongues of men and of
The importance of love
angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding
This passage clarifies LOVE as the key ethical teaching for Paul argued at the Council of Jerusalem that Christians shouldn’t have
(agape) Christians as more important than the observance of law
gong or a clanging cymbal" to follow the traditional Jewish Law (circumcision and prescribed
dietary habits – Galatians 2)
All are equal, Baptism is the visible sign of this membership and
1 Cor 12:13 - "For we are all baptised into one body This was foundational to the development of the Christian tradition
Membership of the Paul makes reference to the community as 'one body'. This defines
- whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free - and we By spreading the story of Jesus Christ, Paul gave Jews and Gentiles a
body of Christ the importance of community and Baptism as a sign of
are all given one Spirit to drink"
membership way forward
His teachings about love of God and neighbour challenged the
Christ's call to a life of The commandment to love your neighbour summed up all of
freedom and Galatians 5:14 - "Love your neighbour as yourself" Christ's teachings into an ethical way of acting with all humanity.
followers of Jesus to follow the command of love over the law
responsibility This outlines ethical behaviour for Christians allowing the religion to flourish
The Pauline Epistles: These letters were written to help the new
The physical self as 1 Cor 6:19 - "Do you know that your body is the This passage demonstrates that one must care for oneself as you Christian communities overcome theological concerns and realise how
the temple of the holy temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you are God's creation and that gift should be respected. This outlines to live a Christian life in the varied cultures of the Mediterranean, as
spirit have received from God? You are not your own" moral guidance for Christians living
Jew or Gentile
Paul’s letters helped, supported, encouraged, and inspired the
QUOTES communities and interpreted teachings of Jesus
CHRISTIANITY Paul’s letters continue to have an impact on Christian communities
Theology of Christ 1 Tim 3:16 “He appeared in the human form, was shown
Significant Person around the world today
to be right by the Spirit...He was preached among the nations… was believed
in…taken up to heaven”
ST PAUL OF TARSUS
The Church 1 Cor 12:22 “Christ is like a single body which has many parts; it PAUL’S EPISTLES
is still one body, even though it is made up of different parts”
Romans Paul explains how the gospel works and how to respond. Paul wrote this
Grace and salvation Rom 3: 21-24 “God puts people right through their faith
letter before he had visited the Roman church.
in Christ...but by the free gift of God’s grace all are put right through Jesus
1 Corinthians In 55 A.D., Paul admonished the local church that he had founded in
Christ, who sets them free”
Corinth.
2 Corinthians Come 56 A.D., the Corinthian church had escalated and then
CONTRIBUTION TO CHRISTIANITY
resolved their conflict with Paul. Second Corinthians is Paul’s a letter of forgiveness
Today, Paul is the writer to whom Christian thinkers have turned to for guidance, inspiration, and and reconciliation.
examples of faith. The theology of Christianity is largely a product of Paul. Galatians Someone had misled the churches of Galatia, re-subjecting them to the
As a central part of Christian scripture, his writings not only influence but partly constitute Law of Moses and devaluing God’s grace. Paul writes the Galatians an aggressive
Christianity by nourishing believer’s response to God in different ways and at different levels letter to set them straight on their freedom in Christ.
Paul emphasises the implications of the Gospel for Christian conduct in charismatic ministry Ephesians Paul outlines doctrines of grace, peace, and salvation, and then
within the body of Christ in humility and mutual service instructs the church to walk in a manner worthy of Jesus Christ.
His writings are very significant as they underpin the Christian belief in salvation through faith in Philippians Even though he’s suffering in prison, Paul finds joy in Christ. He writes
Jesus Christ for adherents today to the church at Philippi urging them to take on a Christlike attitude.
His letters provide ethics e.g. sexual ethics, guiding adherents how to live a Christian life Colossians This letter explains to the church at Colossae who they are in Christ.
Christ as Saviour: Paul’s message was that humanity was saved by sacrifice of Christ (death and 1 Thessalonians The church of Thessalonica is setting a great example for other
resurrection) churches, even though they’re being persecuted for their faith. Paul encourages
It is an elementary doctrine of Paul that Jesus Christ saves humanity through the cross, that them to “excel still more.”
we are “justified by his blood”, that “we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son” (Rom 2 Thessalonians The affliction just won’t let up on the Thessalonian church, so
5: 9 -10) Paul coaches them on standing firm until Jesus’ return.
Word Meaning Scripture Reading

The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care
Co-Creation Engaging in an intentional relationship in order to make something together Genesis 2:15
of it.

A form of justice that considers the rights of organisms and the natural environment in addition Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had
Ecojustice Revelations 21:1
to those of human beings. passed away, and there was no longer any sea.

Stewardship The job of supervising or taking care of something That you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil
Matthew 5:45
and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
Reign of God The totality of the message and ministry of Jesus

"And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the
An important assignment given to a person or group of people:
dearth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air,
Mission The vocation or calling of a religious organization, especially a Christian one, to go out into the
world and spread its faith. and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth."

Love An intense feeling of deep affection CHRISTIANITY


Ethics
ENVIRONMENTAL
Stewardship
Genesis 1:28 God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and
over every living thing that moves upon the earth.”
Humans have authority over creation and fundamental responsibility to care for creation
They are God's partners in creation, it is a mutual relationship of respect and nurturing bestowed in the first book of the Old Testament
This mutuality is again strengthened and expressed through Jesus’ salvific action
Love
1 Corinthians 13 “Love is patient, love is kind.…it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always
protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.“
Love is the central paradigm of Christianity
God is revealed through Creation through, through Jesus and his salvific action
All actions of Love require mutuality
Love of God, Love of Self and Love of Neighbour
Matthew 22: 37-39 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall
love your neighbor as yourself.”
Salvation
The life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, brings salvation not only to humankind, but also, in a different way, to the whole of creation
In the letter to the Colossians we see that not only are all things created in Christ, but all things are reconciled in him:
Colossians 1:15 - 17 "He is the image of the unseen God and the first born of all creation, for in him were created all things in heaven and on ea rth: everything visible and everything
invisible... Before anything was created, he existed, and he holds all things in unity"
Through His death and resurrection Christ reconciled all of Creation

Scriptural Links/Sources Christian Teaching Definition/explanation of the issue Denominational/Organisational Action/Response Principal Beliefs Link

Genesis 1:28
The deliberate destruction of forested land such as Interfaith Rainforest Initiative
"God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and
trees to make space for agricultural benefits such "The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative brings the commitment, influence and Christians are God's stewards
increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over Stewardship
as animal grazing, and obtaining wood for fuel, moral authority of religions to efforts to protect the world’s rainforests of the earth
the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every
manufacturing and construction. and the indigenous peoples that serve as their guardians."
living creature that moves on the ground.”
Ihram
WHAT IS THE HAJJ
Ihram is the sacred state in which pilgrims carry out the requested rituals to complete Hajj or
Hajj: Islamic ritual performed by the global Muslim community each year Umrah. While in the state of Ihram, there are several restrictions that pilgrims must adhere to.
Umrah: Small hajj When entering Ihram, pilgrims usually recite the following prayer: “I respond to Your call O Allah, I
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and God commands that every able adherent who can respond to Your call, and I am obedient to Your orders, You have no partner, I respond to Your call
afford to should perform it at least once in a lifetime. Hajj can only be performed during a All the praises and blessings are for You, All the sovereignty is for You, And You have no partners
specified time with specific rituals, and only in specified places. If it is performed outside the with you.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari Volume 2, Book 26, Number 621)
specified time, it is not considered a Hajj, but instead referred to as Umrah. Restrictions:
Hajj is a pilgrimage which consists of visiting a number of sacred places, such as Ka’bah Men must not wear any stitched clothing
(the house of God), Mina (place of stoning the devil), and Mount Arafat, where Muslims There is no restriction for women
perform specific rites. Men and women must not trim their nails
It is typically performed once in a lifetime by those Muslims who are physically and Men must keep their heads and faces uncovered at all times
financially able to make the journey to Mecca.
HOW DOES HAJJ EXPRESS THE BELIEF OF ISLAM
Hajj in the Sacred Texts
Qur'an Qur’an, 57:1 “All that is in the heavens and on the earth extols and
Qur’an, 3:96-97: “Verily, the first House (of worship) appointed for mankind was that at Bakkah (Mekkah), full of blessing, glorifies God, for He is the Tremendous, the Wise”
and a guidance for His creatures. In it, are manifest signs, (for example), the Station of Abraham; whoever enters it Tells us that all creatures of God worship and praise Him in the
attains security. And Pilgrimage to the house (Ka’bah) is a duty mankind owes to God, those who can afford the language of their natural disposition
journey; but if any deny faith, Allah stands not in need of any of His creatures” Believers also obey the call of God by turning up in millions at the time
Hadith of pilgrimage
Sahih Al-Bukhari Volume 2, Book 26, Number 596; Narrated Abu Huraira: ‘The Prophet said, "Whoever performs Hajj for The central aims of worship, that is exalting, glorifying and praising
Allah's pleasure and … does not do evil or sins then he will return (after Hajj free from all sins) as if he were born anew.” God, occur individually and collectively
Sunan an-Nasa'I Book 24, Hadith 7; Abu Hurairah said: ‘The Messenger of Allah said: “The guests of Allah are three: The Muslims exalt God by being present en masse, as though saying ‘You are
ghazi (fighting for God), the Hajj (pilgrim) and the Mu'tamir (Umrah pilgrim)” greater than my self and above the whole of humanity; here we are ready
to worship you in masses’
Significance of Specific Aspects
They glorify God by going around the Ka’bah, as though saying ‘just
Circling the Ka'bah
ISLAM as we are circling the one and only Ka’bah, the oldest place of worship
A common act of worship observed in the universe is that entities orbit a
Significant Practice on earth, we only obey you the Absolute One worthy of worship’
central point
HAJJ They praise God through remembrance at Mt Arafat
This mode of worship is reflected when Muslims circle the Ka'bah, which
MT Arafat displays the simulation of Day of Judgement and connection
is the pivotal point for Muslims because it is the first house of worship
to the beginning of humanity of Earth and mercy of God to humanity
built for the purpose of worshipping the One God
Muslims confirm that God is the centre of their life and they will attempt
Significance for the Community
to see and experience life through God's guidance
Hajj is the greatest yearly social event on a global scale, bringing the whole of the Muslim world together and confirming
Meaning for the Individual the existence, oneness, glory and grace of God
The certainty of the faith of a Muslim increases through Hajj Hajj reminds and confirms the universality of Islam and humanity
Seeing millions of people worship one God is an immense witness that The community experiences a real display of the equality of humanity rather than just hearing about it in theory
He exists The whole of the Muslim world connect with Hajj, wherever the are around the globe, through Nahr and Eid-ul-Adha
Visiting the Ka'bah where as 70 prophets are reported to be buried, and prayer and celebration
Mt Hira where Qur'an first started to be revealed, increases an Pilgrims are received with great admiration and respect by the Muslim community on their return to their home
individual's attachment to the Holy Book and Prophet country
Masses moving in unison and with a common dress stripped of all Muslims around the world as a community renew their connection to each other with mercy and empathy as they are
worldly possessions enact thee Day of Judgement reminded of their true purpose of existence in the world
Seeing the places where human destiny was shaped demonstrates Muslims are reminded of their responsibility to family, community and humanity in relation to God's guidance
Divine Determination God is the true owner of all worldly status, positions and wealth
The extra self-control and exercise of human will remind an individual Accountability to God with a reminder of the Day of Judgement, such as the day of Mt Arafat helps the Muslim
of their accountability in having the freedom of choice community contribute to humanity and the world
Contribution to the Development of Islam Contribution to the Expression of Islam

Provided foundations of Sufism (sect of Islam)


Sufism is the mystical dimension of Islam, seen as non-mainstream and outside the norm
Relationship with Allah
Transformed Sufi understanding of divine connection: Allah should be loved for His own sake, not
ISLAM
At its core is the annihilation of the self to be in the presence of God out of fear Significant Person
Rabi’a al-Adawiyya is considered one of the first Sufis and the first female Sufi e.g., “My choicest hours are the hours I spend with you” – shows voluntary, loving devotion to God
Played a crucial role in the development and spread of the Sufi movement Emphasised personal, chosen relationship with Allah, where He takes priority
RABI’A AL-ADAWIYYA
Used accessible language to teach and interpret the teachings of Allah Taught integration of faith into every aspect of one’s being, beyond external practices
Emphasised abandoning worldly pleasures and promoted an ascetic lifestyle Demonstrated alternative expressions of spirituality, guiding followers toward Mahabbah (Divine
e.g., “May God steal from you everything that steals you from Him.” – Rabia Love) and Uns (intimacy with God)
Became a spiritual model and guide for many Muslims, both men and women Her legacy includes many prayers still used in Islamic worship today The life and writings of Rabia: “O God,
e.g., “I have made thee the companion of my heart” you know that the only thing I want in
Central Teaching
Developed the concept of Mahabbah (Divine Love) leading to Uns (intimacy with God) Poetry and Legacy this life is to be obedient to your
Promoted a distinctive form of spirituality based on: Left behind a body of mystical poetry and prayers, many of which are timeless and still influential command…”, were and are a model for
Trust in God Her poetry addresses themes of God, beauty, love, and heaven
Divine unity Inspired generations with her unique spiritual outlook and personalised connection with God the Sufi movement. She was first to
Acceptance of God’s will (al-Qadar) Played a key role in the continuation of the Sufi poetic tradition, still alive today speak the realities of Sufism with a
Argued that Sharia should be practised out of love for Allah, not fear of hell or desire for paradise
“Nobody may worship God out of fear of hell or hope of paradise, but solely for God's own beauty.” – Rabia Interpretation of Sacred Texts / Sharia language that anyone could
Defined the essential connection between: Interpreted scripture through the lens of divine love, not fear or reward understand, therefore, her impact was
Transcendent (Love of Allah) e.g., “One must put God’s love above all other types of love” – (Qur’an 2:165)
Immanent (Practices, rituals, ethics) Followed Sharia Law out of love for Allah (Mahabbah), not fear of hell or desire for paradise that she gave everyday Muslims a role
Supported Sufi teachings with Quranic reference: This love-based approach led to Uns and a deeper experience of divine will (Al-Qadar) model for Sufism, allowing it to
“Then Allah will bring a people, He shall love them, and they shall love Him.” – (Qur’an 5:54) Her interpretation influenced:
Divine love extends to all creatures – links to Islamic environmental ethics Directly: Sufi traditions and teachings become more widespread. The lasting
Indirectly: Broader Islamic understanding of faith and devotion impact is that she is viewed as a
Writings/ Poetry
Used poetry to express personal, intimate love and devotion to Allah Rituals and Asceticism pioneer for Sufism and mystics.
Writings served as spiritual guidance for Muslims’ relationship with God Lived an ascetic lifestyle as a form of spiritual discipline and devotion to Allah
e.g., “Oh God, the only thing I want is to be obedient to Your command based on my love” Regularly engaged in ritual practices – especially prayer (salat):
Influenced the Sufi tradition of poetry as a way of accessing divine knowledge e.g., “Observe the salat to commemorate me as the only God” – (Qur’an 20:14)
Writings reflect the Sufi inward path to union with God, complementing Sharia She visited the mosque every day She was a visionary, creative woman
Her works have been passed down for ~1300 years, showing her lasting impact Showed that rituals are a vital expression of submission to Allah and belief in Tawhid (Oneness of
Key themes: connection with God, inner peace, love – core to her legacy in Islam and Sufism God)
who valued a simple lifestyle, ordinary
Her disciplined way of life acts as an inspiration for Muslims to live out their faith sincerely and work, the support of friends ad a vital
Role as a spiritual advisor to disciples (both men and women) deeply
Recognised as an authoritative spiritual guide by her contemporaries
life of prayer. This encouraged others
Guided followers (regardless of gender) to deepen their relationship with Allah Gender and Spirituality to do the same, which is important as
Hasan Basra: “I did not see myself as a man or her as a woman, but spiritually void in her presence” Challenged traditional gender roles in Islam through her spiritual authority
Emphasised: Lived outside societal expectations:
these are some key tenets of the
No gender distinction in achieving intimacy with God (Uns) Did not wear a headscarf Islamic tradition that she was
Love (Mahabbah) is key to spiritual connection Remained single all her life
demonstrating. She acted as a spiritual
Her life and teachings are still studied by Sufis worldwide Showed that spiritual authority and connection with God transcends gender
Pushed gender boundaries in Islam and expanded roles for women in spiritual life Enabled the role of women in Islam to become more diverse and spiritually empowered director to those who sought her
guidance. Showed that adhering to the
tradition was more important than any
She acted as a spiritual director to those who sought her guidance e.g., her male disciples. gender boundaries. She gathered
Rabia demonstrated an absolute submission and an excitement at doing the will of Allah: “My choicest hours are the ones I spend with you” disciples, and was able to transcend
(My Greatest Need is You). This was something that her followers could do also (immediate impact). the normal constraints associated with
Rabia’s poetry expressed a mystical communion with Allah, and allowed the reader to experience God with a different accent, informing gender, thus, was an example that
their spiritual pathway. gender was not a restriction. The way
She has affected the way in which Muslims perceive their relationship with Allah, through her poetry which has lasted until modern times she lived in submission to the will of
(long lasting impact). Allah serves as a model to individual.
Thus, her long lasting impact is that she embodies the creative dimension in the tradition.

Rabia demonstrated throughout all her life a rejection of all pleasures both good and bad out of passionate love for Allah. Her life in poverty and celibacy meant that she gained
the respect of her peers. In modern times she is viewed as he model ascetic because of the way she renounced all pleasures. People turn to her. She expressed precisely for
others the strict Muslim concept of not having desires or wants or needs of any kind other than serving Allah. Her sole devotion to God as a mystic, emphasised her intense
personal relationship with Allah
SOURCE OF ISLAMIC ETHICS ETHICAL TEACHINGS
When faced with any ethical decision, Muslim adherents can consult a variety When making decisions regarding the environment, there are a number of key
of sources in order to make the most appropriate decision, thereby submitting ethical teachings in Islam. These teachings serve as key principles that shape
to the will of Allah. They carry different levels of importance; however, all adherents’ understanding of how to treat animals, plants and the wider
sources are important and aid Muslims in daily life. environment.

Source Information Teaching Meaning

The holy text of Islam, containing the literal words of Allah. Tawhid Greatness, uniqueness and integrity of all of Allah’s creation
Qur’an There are quotes littered throughout the sacred text which relate to the environment and how (Oneness of Allah) Surah Al Baqarah 2:29 “He it is who created for you, all that is on earth”
one should care and treat for the environment.
Akhira Muslims will be judged and held accountable for their actions, including their use and
They are of secondary importance compared to the Qur’an, containing the sayings and teachings (Afterlife, Day of Judgement) abuse of creation
of the Prophet Muhammad.
Hadith and Sunna
There are several references to how adherents should care for the environment Khalifah Muslims are called to care for and respect all of Allah’s creation
e.g. “lay in the ground the plant at hand even if it is the Last Day [on earth].” (Muhammad) (Stewardship) Surah Al-Fatir 35:39 “It is he who appointed you caliph on this earth”

Completing the five daily prayers allows adherents to ask Allah for guidance and support in the Amana Everything that Allah has entrusted to adherents and instructed them to take care of.
Salat
good and challenging times (Trust) The natural environment and all animals are sacred and valuable.

Muslims believe we were all born with a conscience which was a gift from Allah and should aid in
Conscience ISLAM
following the straight path and overcome struggles.
Ethics
Islamic jurisprudence analysed by Islamic scholars through interpretation of the sacred texts
Shariah Law
and modern sources. ENVIRONMENTAL
TAWHID
The basis of Islam is tawhid, which affects every component of Islam,
Environmental Issues Notes including environmental ethics.
Tawhid is God’s Unity and Oneness and includes not ascribing any form of
The Qur’an talks about how God does not like those who waste: partnership with God.
Qur’an, 6:141 "... Eat of their fruits when they come to fruition, and give (to the poor and the needy)
the due thereof on harvest day. And do not be wasteful; indeed He (God) does not love the wasteful.”
Tawhid, means that God is the Owner and Creator of everything in the
Waste Minimisation Qur’an, 7:31 “O children of Adam! Dress cleanly and beautifully for every act of worship; and eat universe.
and drink, but do not be wasteful: indeed, He does not love the wasteful.” Qur'an, Al-Nisa, 4:126 “To God belongs all that is in the heavens and on
Islam teaches that waste and excess leads to ingratitude and arrogance. When we limit our use of earth” (Tr. Ali)
resources it leads to greater appreciation of each resources used.
This includes the human being, which is part of this interdependent
universe as all is created by God
Islam forbids extravagance in using water. It is related that the Prophet Muhammad passed by his Everything Praises God
companion Sa’ad, who was performing his wudu (ablution), and said:
Water Conservation The Qur’an also says that everything that is in the heavens and the earth
“Water should not be wasted when making ablution even if you are by a flowing river.”
This restriction is not to waste water even if when it is plentiful, that is, in a flowing river praises God:
Qur’an, 17:44 “Glorify Him and there is not a thing but glorifies His
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) had few material possessions. praise. But you understand not their glorification..”
He said, “The worldly comforts are not for me. I am like a traveller, who takes a rest under a tree in the Qur’an, 22:18 “See thou not that to God bow down in worship all
shade and then goes on his way” things that are in the heavens and on earth, - the sun, the moon, the
Resource Use He also mended his clothes and repaired his shoes, not wasting God's resources and therefore
implementing the modern campaign “Reduce, Re-use, Recycle” stars; the hills, the trees, the animals; and a great number among
Prophet Muhammad said: mankind”
“Wealth is not a lot of goods but it is being satisfied with what one has” Qur’an, 55:6 “And the herbs and the trees – both (alike) bow in
adoration”

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